اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلاً مُتَقَبَّلاً.
O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, provision that is pure, and deeds that are accepted.
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.
When to Read
This dua is particularly potent after completing an act of worship or any good deed, when you are reflecting on your efforts and seeking Allah's acceptance. It's a profound expression of gratitude, not just for the ability to do good, but for the hope that Allah deems it worthy of reward. You can also recite it at any time to express gratitude for Allah's blessings, including the ultimate blessing of forgiveness.
How to Read
Recite with sincerity and a humble heart. Understand that seeking accepted deeds is a sign of true gratitude for the guidance Allah has given you. It's not about boasting about your deeds, but acknowledging that their value is entirely dependent on Allah's mercy and acceptance. Make sure you have performed Wudu if possible, face the Qiblah, and raise your hands as is customary for supplication.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication encapsulates a beautiful spectrum of gratitude. By asking for 'accepted deeds,' you are implicitly thanking Allah for guiding you to do them in the first place. It acknowledges that any good we do is only through His grace. When Allah accepts our deeds, it's a profound mercy, akin to receiving forgiveness and an assurance of His pleasure, which is a higher form of gratitude than we can ever truly express. This is a manifestation of acknowledging Allah's blessings and seeking His continued favor.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say when the day dawned: 'O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, pure provision, and acceptable deeds.' (Sunan Ibn Majah 925, Sahih). While the primary context is seeking these three things at the start of the day, the principle of asking for accepted deeds directly relates to gratitude for forgiveness and the capacity to earn it.